Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/01/2023, 08:47  by Joseph King | Modified on 18/01/2023 at 08:48 in NBA Prediction

Wednesday action in the NBA sees the Los Angeles Lakers host the Sacramento Kings at the Crypto.com Arena for this California showdown. The Lakers continue their battle for the play-in tournament as they seek to improve upon their 20-24 record which sees them sitting 13th in the Western Conference. They are, however, just 1.5 games behind 10th-place Portland and have been on a decent run of form with six wins in their last 10 outings. Los Angeles can make it two in a row here after disposing of the lowly Houston Rockets 140-132 thanks to a magnificent 48 point, nine assist and eight rebound performance from the ageless wonder LeBron James.  

They’ll face off against one of the surprises of the 2022/23 season in the Sacramento Kings who have moved up to fourth-place in the West. The Kings are on a four game winning streak following their 132-119 victory over the Spurs on Sunday, pushing their record to 24 wins and 18 losses on the season. They have won seven of the last 10 and Sacramento now trail third-place New Orleans by just one game in the standings. The Kings’ offense has been the key to their success this season as the team has now scored 130+ points in their last five straight games, four resulting in wins, and also ranks highest in the NBA in terms of points scored per game at 120.0. 

The Lakers will be boosted by playing on their home court where they have actually performed at above .500 this season with 11 wins and 10 losses. It’s been difficult for LA this season and they’ve struggled staying healthy. Star forward Anthony Davis misses out yet again with the 29-year-old All Star only having played in 25 of the Lakers 44 games so far this season. They’ll need his services if they are to make a push for the playoffs as the 38-year-old LeBron James and 34-year-old Russell Westbrook can only shoulder so much of the burden. The visiting Kings come into this game with no injury concerns. The duo of Sabonis and Fox along with a balanced rest of the squad has proven to be a winning formula for Sacramento as they seek their first playoff appearance and winning season in 16 years.